by Laura Ann
“What’s eating you?” Ridge shoulder bumped her as he came into the kitchen to grab more food.
“Nothing,” Goldie said, waving him away. “Better hurry back or you’ll miss something,” she said, referring to the hockey game he had on.
“Liar,” Ridge said in her ear. “Let me know when you want to talk.”
Goldie smiled. Sometimes having brothers was nice. But when he ruffled her hair before going back to the television, she remembered how much of a pain they could be as well.
With a sigh, she retreated to her room. Her family room was filling up with her brothers’ friends and she wanted no part of it. Inevitably, someone would say something flirty to her and her brothers would become unhinged. Heaven help her when she finally found a man she wanted to date. Best to just stay put for a while, and pray that my future husband is working on building a tough exterior.
Picking up a pencil and her sketch pad, she relaxed on her bed and tried to doodle. She did her best to let her mind drift and have the pencil lead where it wanted to go. After a half hour, she stopped and took a good look at her work. Closing her eyes, she groaned when she realized what she had been drawing.
Dark, fathomless eyes stared up at her from her pad. Her hand had unwittingly captured a glimpse of the pain and anguish she had noticed this afternoon. Something about his pain tugged at her. “What caused it? And how can it be fixed?” She wondered aloud.
A sudden idea came to her, and she threw down her pad, grabbing her cell phone from the nightstand. Her thumbs flew as she texted Snow.
Hey girlie, you got time to chat for a minute?
Goldie waited impatiently, twirling one of her ringlets around and around. Every few seconds she glanced at her phone. Now that answers were within reach, she couldn’t contain her curiosity.
Sure. What’s up?
“Great,” Goldie mumbled as she pressed the call button. It rang a couple of times before Snow picked up.
“Hey, Goldie. How are you?”
“I’m good, thanks. How are things in your neck of the woods? The big, bad, Gruffman treating you well?” Goldie teased.
“Oh, well, he’s good most of the time, I mean I-” Goldie heard a scuffle and giggles in the background as the phone, obviously, fell out of Snow’s hands. After a moment, she came back. “Sorry!” Her voice was breathy and you could hear her smile. “Someone has decided to be naughty.” Snow took a deep breath. “What can I do for you?”
Goldie laughed before sobering. “I uh, that is.” She huffed. Just say it. “I have some questions about Finley.”
The line went silent for a moment. Snow sighed. “What did he do now?” Her voice was clearly exasperated, and it made Goldie smile.
“Nothing, exactly, unless you count getting on my nerves.”
A loud grunt came through the line and Goldie was fairly certain it hadn’t come from Snow.
“But he and I kinda had a clash at the grocery store earlier today and I had a few questions.”
“A clash? Really?” Snow huffed “It’s about time someone stood up to the man. That would have been fun to watch. It would have been like seeing a chihuahua take on a great dane.”
“Hey now!” Goldie said with a scowl.
“Sorry,” Snow laughed. “But you have to admit there is quite a difference in your sizes.”
“True,” Goldie conceded, then blew a ringlet out of her face. “Anyway, can you tell me his story? I know something big had to have happened to him. I can see it. But what?”
Silence reigned. “I don’t know, Goldie. It’s kinda a mess-” Snow started.
“Look, I don’t want you to tell me what’s in the gossip rags. That’s why I called his family. I feel bad about some of the things I said and I want to help him. But I need to know him better to do that.” Goldie took a breath. “Can you at least give me a basic outline?”
Goldie could hear Snow and Quentin talking in the background. She bit her lip and did her best to wait patiently.
“All right. I don’t really know if you can help, but we would both love to see Finley get out of this funk. He puts on that charming smile, but it’s totally fake.” Snow sighed. “Do you remember back when Tia and Brody were dating and there was a big fight for the Gruffman company?”
“Yeah,” Goldie nodded.
“Well, if you recall, Brody had disappeared for two years before that. He... he had been secretly dating a woman at his office and one night he found her alone with another man.” There was a long pause. “It was Finley.”
Goldie gasped, her hand flew to her mouth.
“Wait, wait, wait. Don’t judge him. Finley had no idea Brody and Victoria had been dating at all. Victoria had used Brody to get to Fin. After Brody disappeared, that viper woman used Fin to continue to try and climb the ranks. At some point, she even came onto Quentin, but he shut her down. When Brody finally came back and confessed everything, the brothers discovered that Victoria had been purposefully using the brothers and keeping their attention in order to hide her father’s underhanded tactics. They were trying to usurp the whole company. If Brody hadn’t come back when he did,” Snow blew out a breath, “it might have actually worked.”
Goldie could hear Snow’s clenched teeth.
“That woman strung Finley along for two years, using him to worm her way into classified files and other information she shouldn’t have had. Truthfully, I don’t think Finley was in love with her, but I think he was content. I’m pretty sure he would have married her, but she always held herself just out of reach. She’s a master manipulator.” There was another pause. “Anyway, when it all came out, it crushed Fin. But instead of sinking into a depression, he has adopted a ‘devil may care’ attitude. He refuses to even look at the possibility of love even though it’s been over a year now since it all went down. He says women are liars and controllers and he won’t ever get close to any of them.”
“Whoa...” That was way more than I expected. “That woman sounds like a major-” She cleared her throat. “A major word I don’t say.”
“You got that right. She really messed him up.”
“Sounds like.”
“Look, Goldie. I love you, you know that. But Fin is now my brother. I get that he’s attractive and all, but don’t start something unless you really mean it, huh?”
Goldie felt a ping of guilt. I’m not really interested in Finley, am I? I just want to help him. Is that wrong? Should I leave it alone until the right woman comes along? “I get it. I don’t have any plans to hurt him.”
“Thanks. Oh, and for the record. I actually think you two would make a great couple. You’re both passionate and caring, but Fin is in a bad place right now.”
Goldie forced out a laugh. “Hold on there, Snow. You’re putting the cart before the horse! I mean, you’re right that he’s good looking, but you know that’s not the most important thing to me. I’m concerned because he looked like he needed a friend. I just want to help him as a friend.”
Another deep snort rang through the line.
“All right. If that’s what you feel, then that’s fine.”
Goldie rolled her eyes at Snow’s placating tone.
“I’m sure Fin could definitely use a friend,” Snow continued.
“Great. Thanks so much for being willing to share. I’ll know much better how to handle him next time.”
“Absolutely. I-” Snow’s words were cut off and Goldie could hear a gravelly rumbling in the background. When Snow started giggling again, Goldie knew it was time to hang up.
“Thanks!” She called loudly into the phone before hanging up. “Whew.” She shook her head. “Lovebirds.” Ignoring the tiny ping of jealousy in her heart, she smiled, happy for her friend.
Laying back on her bed, Goldie let the story run on repeat in her head. What a horrible woman. How can I help him? What does he need?
The desire to help marinated in her mind all weekend. By Monday morning, she was forced to shove it aside so she could concen
trate on her classes.
“Ms. Lockwood?” A voice rang from the back of the room.
“Hmm?” Goldie looked up from where she was recording grades at the front of the room.
“Could you explain about shading again?” The teenage boy frowned at his paper while holding a fistful of charcoal. “Mine looks like a squid squirted ink all over it instead of a shadow.”
Snickers could be heard throughout the classroom and Goldie had to hold back a grin herself. “Of course,” she said kindly. Picking up her own piece of charcoal, she went back to her large easel at the front of the room and did another demonstration of the technique.
At long last, the bell rang, and the kids scrambled to grab their bags. “Don’t forget! In six weeks we have our end of the year gallery night! I need your final project ideas by tomorrow,” she yelled over the noise of the classroom.
A few groans were heard but Goldie ignored them. At least we will have it if I can find one last sponsor! Her worries about Finley dissipated as another worry took its place. She couldn’t afford to rent the place she wanted for the show without one more generous donation. Goldie sighed. The warehouse she had discovered was perfect. Wide and open, large walls with good lighting. There would be room for everyone’s projects no matter how big, plus room for a good reception so people could stay and mingle for a while.
“Surely, there is one more group who is willing to donate,” Goldie grumbled as she packed up her bag of supplies.
Getting in to her car, she turned on the radio and headed towards home.
“In other news, Finley Gruffman has made headlines once more as yet another woman comes forward with stories of his cold hearted exploits.”
Goldie’s eyebrows shot up, and she turned up the volume.
“Serena Latham joins the dozens of other women who claim that Mr. Gruffman, the second eldest of the Gruffman brothers, wines and dines them only to throw them to the curb. They claim he is cold hearted and cares for nothing but himself. Although, none of the women have any legal claims against Mr. Gruffman, they say they want to make other women aware of his-”
Goldie shut off the radio with a disgusted snort. “People are so dumb. Acting like it’s some kind of public service to warn people about Finley Gruffman. Of course, it’s not like anyone knows about his issues with that Victoria woman.” She shook her head. “He should make some kind of statement or do something public to protect his image,” she muttered.
Walking into the kitchen, she threw her stuff on the table and paused as an idea occurred to her. “Donating to a youth activity would help his image!” Her face lit up and she bit her lip. “Surely, he can afford it. I mean, he is a Gruffman, right?” She started pacing around the table. “This is a win-win for everybody! Fin looks good for the public and I get my exhibit!” She stopped walking and shifted her weight back and forth as she weighed her options. “YES!” She yelled, throwing her fist in the air. “This is perfect!”
“Uh, oh,” Harlan drawled as he walked into the room. “I know that look. What scheme have you concocted now?” He passed her and started rummaging through the cupboards.
Goldie stuck her nose in the air. “None of your business,” she sniffed. Grabbing her bag she headed towards her room.
“We’ll see about that!” Harlan called after her.
Goldie shut herself away, excitement ringing through her. Now, I just have to figure out a way to see him again. Maybe I could call Snow. She paused. No. That would be too obvious. I can’t call him, because I don’t know his number and I can’t go see him because I don’t know where he lives. “Shoot,” she mumbled. This isn’t going to be as easy as I thought.
FINLEY HIT THE PUNCHING bag again, throwing all his weight behind the punch. If only the stupid media could be dealt with as easily. Over and over he danced around the bag, hitting his frustrations away with every slap of leather and drop of sweat.
With his earbuds blasting rock music at a deafening level, Finley didn’t notice when his brother entered his basement until Quentin slapped his large, meaty hand on Finley’s shoulder.
Fin stiffened and swung around, fists ready, only to relax when he realized who it was. Holding up a hand in the universal ‘wait a minute’ sign, Finley walked to the side and worked to pull off his gloves. When he had those off, he pulled out the wireless earbuds in his ears, throwing them onto the bench.
“Hey, what’s up?” Finley asked with a nonchalance he didn’t feel. Beads of sweat run from his hair down his back and he worked to regulate his breathing.
“Have you heard the news lately?” Quentin boomed.
“No beating around the bush, I see.”
Quentin rolled his eyes. “I’m sorry, did you want me to baby you?”
Finley glared at him. “I didn’t do anything.”
“Of course you didn’t. You never do. You’re just a victim.”
Finley threw up his hands. “What do you want me to say? I went on a date with the woman six months ago! We went out to dinner, I took her home. End of story. Nothing else happened.”
Quentin narrowed his eyes and stared his brother down. “That’s really all that happened? Because the press are having a field day with this. Just another woman to add to the ever growing list.”
“I may be a lot of things, but I’m not the heartless jerk these women make me out to be,” Finley shouted, pointing his finger at his own chest. “I know I’ve dated a lot since Victoria, but I have always stopped before taking it too far. None of those women ever made it into my home, let alone my bedroom. They’re just a bunch of greedy, attention hungry females who are mad they didn’t get a chance to get at my money.” Finley’s breathing had picked back up and his shoulders were heaving.
Quentin’s face softened. “I get it, I do. But whether the stories are true or not, the media is eating it up and every woman that comes forward only makes the claims worse.” Quentin sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “At least no one is claiming you fathered a baby or anything.”
Finley barked out a sarcastic laugh. “That’s only because they know they couldn’t get away with it.”
Quentin shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “Regardless, we need to figure this out. Pretty soon your reputation is going to start hurting the company name.”
Finley dropped his chin and gave Quentin a look. “I fail to see how any of this affects the company.”
Quentin straightened up and Finley could see his brother put on his CEO persona. “Our company is only as good as the people who run it. Our father started us off with a firm foundation and I refuse to let it crumble simply because you’re having a hard time.”
Finley’s anger spiked and he could feel his nostrils flare. “I haven’t done anything wrong. No matter what lies those women are spewing. This will all play itself out, eventually. Some other scandal will catch people’s attention and they’ll forget all about me.”
Quentin snorted. “We can only hope.” He turned and started to walk back out of the basement. “If things are still bad next week, I expect you to be willing to do something about it.”
“Whatever,” Finley muttered before grabbing his headphones and plugging them back into his ears. Heading over to the weight bench, he started to set up the bench press.
His mind spun as he worked. Truth was, he hadn’t gone out on a date in several weeks. He had begun to lose his taste for the over-eager women who demanded his attention. Well, not really my attention. What they really want is my money. All except one.
He smirked as he thought of the hot-headed woman. Her personality is bigger than her person. Finley thought about her bouncy ringlets and scowled when his fingers itched to see if they were as silky as they looked.
He strained against the bar, determined to put the contrary woman out of his mind, but she refused to relinquish her hold. Finley grit his teeth and finished his set. Sitting up he took a few deep breaths. “Take a hint, idiot. The woman has shot you down, twice. You don’t chas
e women. They chase you.” With a firm nod, he grabbed his water bottle and gear and headed upstairs to shower, promising himself he would forget about the gorgeous blonde.
CHAPTER 5
Goldie stayed after school the next day to take inventory of her supplies. “Shoot, looks like I need more blue paint.” Writing it down on her list, she finished going through her things and packed up for the day.
Scanning the items, she decided to run by the art store on her way home. “Shouldn’t take too long,” she muttered to herself as she headed out to her car.
It took only moments for Goldie to drive to her favorite art supply store. She walked inside and waved to the front desk clerk.
“Hey, Goldie! How are you doing today?” The elderly gentleman called.
“I’m good, thanks George.” She held up her list. “Just grabbing a few things for the school.”
George nodded his nearly bald head. “Sounds good. I’ll make sure you get an itemized receipt.”
Goldie smiled widely. “You’re such a sweetheart, George, thank you.” Goldie blew him a kiss and walked further into the store, knowing exactly where to find what she needed.
She put her hands on her hips as she looked at the shelf of colors. “Hmm... too light... too dark...” She tisked her tongue. “Aha!” She grabbed a bottle. “Just right.” With a smile, she grabbed several of the same color and added them to her cart. Slowly, she walked the other aisles of the store, looking for other items while keeping an eye out for sales.
“Someday, I’ll learn to control my shopping tendencies,” Goldie murmured under her breath as she unloaded a much fuller cart than she had planned.
George laughed. “All this is for the school?”
Goldie felt her face get hot. “No, I just couldn’t resist, George!” She mocked glared at him. “You put up those pottery tools at half off! How in the world am I supposed to walk away from that?”
George smiled wide and shook his head. “With your feet, darlin’. With your feet.”
Goldie chuckled. “I suppose so, but you know me better than that by now.”